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Football: St. Charles North, Batavia 'Bear Down' at Soldier Field

Bears recognize Class 7A champs, North Stars coach and QB

CHICAGO – The Batavia and St. Charles North football programs haven't gone into hibernation for the winter just yet.

[Photo provided by Batavia coach Dennis Piron]

Both high school programs were represented at the Chicago Bears' 15-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday for their respective honors and achievements during the recently-completed season.

Batavia finished the season 13-1 after defeating Lake Zurich in the Class 7A state championship Nov. 25. Batavia brought along the coaching staff, team captains and other players for the experience. Team captain and defensive back Tom Stuttle was one of the players who ran out on the field during halftime.

"It was awesome. It was really cool representing the whole town of Batavia [and] doing it for the community," Stuttle said.

Batavia defensive lineman Michael Bautch had never been to a Bears game before. While he didn't run out on the field during the half, "It was something [he'll] never forget."

[Photo provided by Batavia coach Dennis Piron]

Of course, Batavia's Bulldog statue, Brutus, came along for the ride. The team typically places the statue on its side of the 50-yard line prior to every game it plays, so it's only fitting Brutus was able to join the group down on the field during pregame.

St. Charles North's contingent consisted of head coach Robert Pomazak and senior quarterback Michael Hohensee for their respective Bears "Coach and Player of the Week" honors during the regular season.

Pomazak was named in Week 4 following the program's 35-34 overtime victory over rival St. Charles East. Hohensee was honored for his six-touchdown performance against Geneva in Week 8.

As a result of the honor, Hohensee was able to donate $500 to his former youth football league, the South Elgin Patriots, where the money will go into a general fund.

Hohensee's father, Mike, started two career games – both victories – at quarterback for the Bears in 1987. Later on, he coached the Chicago Rush in the Arena Football League from 2001-10.

Back in 1987, the then-Pittsburgh Gladiators' quarterback was in the newly-formed AFL, and Hohensee was actually in offseason mode bartending when his agent called to tell him the Bears were interested in his services with the NFL strike looming.

Hohensee made the most of his opportunity, throwing for 343 career yards with four touchdowns and one interception as a Bear. There are some similarities between father and son's paths.

As a junior for North, the younger Hohensee played sparingly – throwing for 14 total attempts in 2016, but then starred when his number was called upon to the starting lineup the next season.

Hohensee led the North Stars to the second round of the playoffs, and an Upstate Eight River title in his final campaign. He threw for 2,325 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. Hohensee also earned a 7A All-State recognition.

Like father, like son – 30 years later – they were able to take Soldier Field together leading up to the game.

"For my son to be honored today by the team that I had a chance to play for – the only NFL team I had a chance to play for – this is something [we'll] share for the rest of our [lives]," Hohensee said.

"It's an honor," the younger Hohensee said on the recognition. "It's really cool knowing that he's played here. It's a great experience and reflects the whole St. Charles North football program."

Hohensee is still juggling collegiate options. This week he was offered his first Division I potential opportunity at Valparaiso University. He'll hopefully make his final decision in January, but doesn't feel the weight of the significance his last name carries.